Use of known agonists of the central cannabinoid receptor CB1

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the use of known agonists of the central cannabinoid receptor CB1 for the prophylaxis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular for the treatment of cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of known agonists of the central cannabinoid receptor CB1 for the prophylaxis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular for the treatment of cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.

[0002] Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) and, to a small extent, also Δ⁸-THC are the biologically active constituents in extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa (marihuana, hashish) and are responsible for the effects on the human central nervous system (CNS). Potential historical and contemporary therapeutic uses of cannabis preparations include, inter alia, analgesia, emesis, anorexia, glaucoma and motor disorders.

[0003] Up to now, two subtypes of cannabinoid receptors and a splice variant have been identified. The CB1 receptor (Nature 1990, 346, 561) and a splice variant CB1a (J. Biol. Chem. 1995, 270, 3726) are mainly localized in the central nervous system. The CB2 receptor was mainly found in the peripheral tissue, in particular in leucocytes, spleen and macrophages (Eur. J. Biochem. 1995, 232, 54).

[0004] CB1 and CB2 receptors have seven transmembrane regions and belong to the family of G protein receptors. Both receptors are negatively coupled via G_(i)/G₀ protein to adenylate cyclase and possibly negatively coupled to the presynaptic release of glutamate [cf. J. Neurosci. 1996, 16, 4322]. CB1 receptors are moreover positively coupled to potassium channels and negatively coupled to N- and Q-type calcium channels.

[0005] It is moreover known that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists are subdivided into 4 classes, the classical and nonclassical cannabinoids, the aminoalkylindoles and the icosanoids [cf. Pharmacol. Rev. 1986, 38, 75; Eur. Med. Chem. 1996, 3, 101; Cannabinoid Receptors, R. Pertwee (Ed.), Academic Press, San Diego, 1995; J. Med. Chem. 1976, 19, 445; J. Med. Chem. 1976, 19, 454; J. Med. Chem. 1976, 19, 461, WO 95/33429; DE 2416491; J. Med. Chem. 1996, 36, 3875; U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,720; Curr. Med. Chem. 1996, 3, 101; Curr. Pharm. Design 1995, 1, 343; Tetrahedr. Lett. 1994, 50 2671; Life Sci. 1995, 56, 2007; Johnson, M. R., Melvin, L. S. in “Cannabinoids as Therapeutic Agents; Mechoulam R., Ed.; CRC Press, Boca Raton Fl 1986, pp. 121-145; J. Med. Chem. 1984, 7, 67; Pharmacol. Rev. 1986, 38, 1; Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1996, 5, 1245; Pharmacol. Rev. 1986, 38, 151; Drug Design and Discovery 1995, 13, 155; J. Pharm. Exp. Ther. 1993, 265, 218; US 4391827; J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38 3094; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 6, 1996, 17; J. Med. Chem. 1992, 35, 124; J. Med. Chem. 1991, 34, 1099; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 4, 1994, 563; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5 1995, 381; U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,820; Tetrahedr. Lett. 1995, 1401; J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39 4515; Drugs of Today 32, 1996, 275; J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39, 471; J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37 1889; Mol. Pharmacol. 46, 516, 1994; Biochem. Pharmacol. 1995, 50, 83; J. Med. Chem. 1993, 36, 3032; Biochem. Pharmacol. 1994, 48, 1537; J. Biol. Chem. 1994, 269, 22937; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci 1993, 90 7656; J. Prostagl. Leukotr. Essen. Fatty Acids 1995, 52 83; Science 1992, 258 1946; Life Sci 1995, 56, 2041; FEBS Lett. 1994, 350, 240; Showalter V. M.; J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap. 1996, 989; Pharm. Res. 13, 1996, 62; J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 659].

[0006] It is additionally known that cerebral apoplexy is a result of a sudden circulatory disorder of a human brain area with subsequent functional losses, with corresponding neurological and/or psychological symptoms. The causes of cerebral apoplexy can lie in cerebral haemorrhages (e.g. after a vascular tear in hypertension, arteriosclerosis and apoplectic aneurysms) and ischaemias (e.g. due to a blood pressure drop crisis or embolism). The functional losses in the brain lead to a degeneration or destruction of the brain cells (cf. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism 1981, 1, 155; Chem. Eng. News 1996 (May 13), 41; Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 1996, 17 227). Craniocerebral trauma is understood as meaning covered and open cranial injuries with involvement of the brain [cf. Schweiz. med. Wschr. 1993, 123, 449].

[0007] After a cerebral vascular occlusion, only a part of the tissue volume is destroyed as a direct result of the restricted circulation and the decreased oxygen supply associated therewith [cf. Neurology 1996, 47, 884]. This tissue area designated as the infarct core can only be kept from dying off by immediate recanalization of the vascular closure, e.g. by local thrombolysis, and is therefore only limitedly accessible to therapy. The outer peripheral zone, which is as least just as large in terms of volume, also designated as the penumbra, admittedly also discontinues its function immediately after onset of the vascular occlusion, but is initially still adequately supplied with oxygen by the collateral supply and irreversibly damaged only after a few hours or even only after days. Since the cell death in this area does not occur immediately, a therapeutic opportunity reveals itself to block the unfavourable development of the course of the disease both after stroke and after trauma.

[0008] The numerous therapeutic starting points for the reduction of the infarct volume include, for example, the blocking of glutamate receptors or glutamate release, free radical scavengers, anti-inflammatory substances, substances for blocking voltage-, dependent calcium or sodium channels, and GABA agonists [cf. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 17, 1996, 227].

[0009] The inhibition of glutamatergic neurotransmission or inhibition of glutamate release can be achieved by a multiplicity of substances having differing pharmacological actions and thus differing mechanisms of action [GABA receptor ligands (Neurosci. Lett 1990, 118, 99, Br. J. Pharmacol. 1997, 120, 60), aluminium (Neurotoxicol. 1992, 13, 413), ethanol (Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1992, 219, 469), barbiturates, for example thiopental (Br. J. Pharmacol. 1996, 119 1498), adenosine Al receptors (Neurosci. Lett. 1996, 220, 163), α₂₋agonists (Anesthesiol. 1996, X, 551), cannabinoid receptor agonists (J. Neurosci. 1996, 16, 4322).

[0010] For kynurenic acid (Brain Res. 1992, 592 333) and theophylline (Brain Res 1991, 565, 353), it has been shown that these substances, although they markedly inhibit glutamate release in vitro, have no neuroprotective action in vivo. In contrast to the speculation by Shen et al. (J. Neurosci. 1996, 16, 4322) the cannabinoid receptor agonist HU210, the (−)-enantiomer of HU-211, which is inactive on the cannabinoid receptor, is non-neuroprotective in a craniocerebral trauma model (J. Neurotrauma 1993, 10, 109).

[0011] It has now been found that the known cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists cited above are surprisingly suitable for the prophylaxis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular of cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.

[0012] Preferably, [A] known agonists of the central cannabinoid receptor CB1 of the general formula (I)

[0013] in which

[0014] A and D are identical or different and, depending on the position of a single or double bond, represent a C atom or the CH group,

[0015] E depending on the position of a single or double bond, represents the CH or CH₂ group or a sulphur atom,

[0016] G, L and M are identical or different and, depending on the position of a single or double bond, represent a radical of the formula —CR⁵, —CR⁶R⁷ or N—R⁸,

[0017] in which

[0018] R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, hydroxyl, formyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkinyl, or denote (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,

[0019] or

[0020] R⁶ and R⁷ together represent a radical of the formula ═O,

[0021] a represents a number 0 or 1,

[0022] R¹ represents hydrogen or hydroxyl, or represents (C₁-C₁₁)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxycarbonyl or (C₁-C₄)-acyloxy, each of which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₁₀)-alkoxy or by a group of the formula —NR⁹R¹⁰,

[0023] in which

[0024] R⁹ and R¹⁰ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, phenyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,

[0025] or

[0026] R⁹ and R¹⁰, together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycle which can optionally additionally contain a further heteroatom of the series S and O or a radical of the formula —NR¹¹,

[0027] in which

[0028] R¹¹ denotes hydrogen, phenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-acyl,

[0029] R² represents (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl or (C₁-C₁₀)-alkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted by phenyl, halogen, hydroxyl, azido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or by a group of the formula —NR¹²R¹³,

[0030] in which

[0031] R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and have the meanings of R⁹ and R¹⁰ indicated above,

[0032] R³ and R⁴ are identical or different and represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl,

[0033] or

[0034] R³ and R⁴ together represent a radical of the formula H₂C═,

[0035] T represents (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl,

[0036] and

[0037] V represents hydroxyl,

[0038] or

[0039] T and V together with a ring closure represent an oxygen atom or a radical of the formula —NR¹⁴,

[0040] in which

[0041] R¹⁴ denotes hydrogen or methyl

[0042] with the exception of compounds of the following configuration

[0043] [B] non-classical cannabinoids of the general formula (Ia)

[0044] in which

[0045] R^(1′) and R^(2′) are identical or different and have the meanings of R¹ and R² indicated above,

[0046] R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are identical or different and represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl,

[0047] or

[0048] R¹⁵ and R¹⁶, together with inclusion of the C—C bond, form a phenyl ring or a 3- to 7-membered carbocyclic ring, where the ring systems are optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkoxycarbonyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which for its part can be substituted by hydroxyl,

[0049] R¹⁷ represents hydrogen,

[0050] or

[0051] R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ together form a 6-membered saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated heterocycle which can contain a heteroatom of the series S and O or a radical of the formula —NR¹⁸,

[0052] in which

[0053] R¹⁸ denotes hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,

[0054] and where the ring systems are optionally substituted up to 3 times identically or differently, also geminally, by (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which for its part can be substituted by hydroxyl,

[0055] [C] the aminoalkyl indoles of the general formulae (Ib) and (Ic)

[0056] in which

[0057] R¹⁹ and R¹⁹1 are identical or different and represent (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or a 5- to 7-membered, saturated or unsaturated heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms of the series S, N and/or O, each of which is optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different substituents which are selected from the group which consists of: nitro, halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, or by (C₁-C₅)-acyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkylthio, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxycarbonyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which for its part can be substituted by hydroxyl,

[0058] R₂₀ represents hydrogen or methyl,

[0059] R²¹ and R²² are identical or different and represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, or

[0060] R²¹ and R²², together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5 to 7-membered, saturated or partially saturated heterocycle which can optionally contain a further oxygen or sulphur atom or a radical of the formula —NR²⁸,

[0061] in which

[0062] R²⁸ has the meaning of R⁸ indicated above and is identical to or different from this,

[0063] R²³ represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkoxy,

[0064] R²⁴ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,

[0065] R²⁵ represents hydrogen, phenyl, cycloalkyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by a group of the formula —NR²⁹R³⁰,

[0066] in which

[0067] R²⁹ and R³⁰ are identical or different and have the meaning of R⁹ and R¹⁰ indicated above,

[0068] R²⁶ and R²⁷ represent hydrogen, or together with inclusion of the double bond form a phenyl ring,

[0069] [D] compounds of the general formula (Id)

[0070] in which

[0071] R³¹ has the meaning of R¹⁹ indicated above and is identical to or different from this,

[0072] R³² represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)-alkyl or (C₁-C₃)-alkoxy,

[0073] R³³ and R³⁴ have the meaning of R²¹ and R²² indicated above and are identical to or different from this,

[0074] and [E] eicosanoids of the general formula (Ie)

[0075] in which

[0076] Y and Y′ represent hydrogen,

[0077] or

[0078] Y and Y′ together represent a radical of the formula ═O or ═S,

[0079] R³⁵ represents (C₁₆-C₃₀)-alkenyl having at least three double bonds,

[0080] R³⁶ represents trifluoromethyl or a group of the formula —OR³⁷ or —NR³⁸R³⁹,

[0081] in which

[0082] R³⁷ denotes hydrogen or (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different substituents which are selected from the group which consists of: hydroxyl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy,

[0083] R³⁸ and R³⁹ have the meaning of R³⁷ indicated above and are identical to or different from this,

[0084] or

[0085] R³⁸ and R³⁹, together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycle which can optionally contain a further heteroatom of the series S and O or a group of the formula —NR⁴⁰,

[0086] in which

[0087] R⁴⁰ has the meaning of R⁸ indicated above and is identical to or different from this,

[0088] and their salts and isomeric forms,

[0089] are used in the control of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.

[0090] The compounds used according to the invention can also be present in the form of their salts. In general, salts with organic or inorganic bases or acids may be mentioned here.

[0091] In the context of the present invention, physiologically acceptable salts are preferred. Physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds according to the invention can be salts of the substances according to the invention with mineral acids, carboxylic acids or sulphonic acids. Particularly preferred salts are, for example, those with hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulphonic acid, ethanesulphonic acid, toluenesulphonic acid, benzenesulphonic acid, naphthalenedisulphonic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid or benzoic acid. Very particularly preferred salts are those mentioned above which are formed by the amine function.

[0092] Physiologically acceptable salts can also be metal or ammonium salts of the compounds according to the invention. Particularly preferred salts are, for example, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium salts, as well as ammonium salts which are derived from ammonia, or organic amines, such as, for example, ethylamine, di- or triethylamine, di- or triethanolamine, dicyclohexylamine, dimethylaminoethanol, arginine, lysine, ethylenediamine or 2-phenylethylamine.

[0093] In the context of the present invention, the substituents in general have the following meaning:

[0094] (C₁-C₁₁)-, (C₁-C₁₀)-, (C₁-C₈)-, (C₁-C₆)-, (C₁-C₄)- and (C₁-C₃)-alkyl in general represent, depending on the abovementioned substituents, a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 11 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, isoheptyl, octyl and isooctyl.

[0095] (C₁₆-C₃₀)- and (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl in general represent, depending on the abovementioned substituents, a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and one or more, preferably having one, two or at least 3 double bonds. Examples which may be mentioned are allyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, pentenyl, isopentenyl, hexenyl, isohexenyl, heptenyl, isoheptenyl, octenyl and isooctenyl.

[0096] (C₂-C₆)-Alkinyl in general represents a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and one or more, preferably having one or two triple bonds. The lower alkyl radical having 2 to approximately 5 carbon atoms and a triple bond is preferred. An alkenyl radical having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and a triple bond is particularly preferred. Examples which may be mentioned are acetylene, 2-butine, 2-pentine and 2-hexine.

[0097] Cycloalkyl in general represents a cyclic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The cyclopropane, cyclopentane and the cyclohexane rings are preferred.

[0098] Examples which may be mentioned are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

[0099] Aryl in general represents an aromatic radical having 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferred aryl radicals are phenyl and naphthyl.

[0100] (C₁-C₁₀)-, (C₁-C₆)- and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy in general represent, depending on the abovementioned substituents, a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical bonded via an oxygen atom and having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, isohexoxy, heptoxy, isoheptoxy octoxy or isooctoxy.

[0101] (C₁-C₆)- and (C₁-C₅)-acyl in general represent straight-chain or branched lower alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which are bonded via a carbonyl group. Examples which may be mentioned are: acetyl, ethylcarbonyl, propylcarbonyl, isopropylcarbonyl, butylcarbonyl and isobutylcarbonyl.

[0102] (C₁-C₆)- and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl can be represented, for example, by the formula

[0103] Alkyl in this connection represents a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are the following alkoxycarbonyl radicals: methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl or isobutoxycarbonyl.

[0104] Halogen in the context of the invention represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

[0105] (C₁-C₆)-Alkylthio in general represents a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical bonded via a sulphur atom and having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are methylthio, ethylthio and propylthio.

[0106] (C₁-C₄)--Acyloxy can be represented, for example, by the formula

[0107] Alkyl in this connection represents a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are the following acyloxy radicals: methcarbonyloxy, ethylcarbonyloxy and propylcarbonyloxy.

[0108] Saturated, partially saturated and unsaturated heterocycle in the context of the present invention in general represents a 5- to 7-membered, preferably 5- to 6-membered, heterocycle which can contain up to 3 heteroatoms of the series S, N and/or O. Examples which may be mentioned are: pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrimidyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, morpholinyl or piperidyl.

[0109] The compounds according to the invention can exist in stereoisomeric forms which either behave as image and mirror image (enantiomers), or which do not behave as image and mirror image (diastereomers). The invention relates both to the enantiomers or diastereomers and to their respective mixtures. These mixtures of the enantiomers and diastereomers can be separated in a known manner into the stereoisomerically uniform constituents.

[0110] Preferably used compounds according to the invention are those of the general formula (I),

[0111] in which in the compounds of the general formula (I)

[0112] A, D, E, G, a, L, M, T and V have the meaning indicated above,

[0113] R¹ represents hydroxyl or the radical of the formula —O—CO—CH₃ or —O—CO—(CH₃)—N(C₂H₅)₂,

[0114] R³ and R⁴ together represent the ═CH₂ radical,

[0115] or

[0116] R³ and R⁴ represent hydrogen, methyl or the (CH₂)₃—OH radical,

[0117] in which in the compounds of the general formula (Ia),

[0118] R² and R¹⁷ have the meaning indicated above,

[0119] R^(1′) represents hydroxyl,

[0120] R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ represent hydrogen, or together with the inclusion of the C—C bond form a pyridyl or CH—OH— substituted phenyl ring,

[0121] in which in the compounds of the general formula (Ib)

[0122] R¹⁹ represents naphthyl,

[0123] R²⁰ represents methyl,

[0124] R²³ represents hydrogen,

[0125] and

[0126] R²¹ and R²², together with the nitrogen atom, form a morpholine ring, in which in the compounds of the general formula (Ic)

[0127] R^(19′) represents methoxy-substituted naphthyl,

[0128] R²⁴ represents hydrogen,

[0129] R²⁵ represents phenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or the radical

[0130] R²⁶ and R²⁷ represent hydrogen or phenyl,

[0131] in which in the compounds of the general formula (Id)

[0132] R³¹ represents napthyl which is optionally substituted by methoxy,

[0133] R³² represents hydrogen or methyl,

[0134] R³³ and R³⁴, together with the nitrogen atom, represents morpholine,

[0135] in which in the compounds of the general formula (Ie)

[0136] Y and Y′ represent hydrogen or together represent the ═O radical,

[0137] R³⁵ represents (C₁₆-C₂₁)-alkenyl,

[0138] and

[0139] R³⁶ represents trifluoromethyl or the radical of the formula —NR³⁸R³⁹,

[0140] in which

[0141] R³⁸ and R³⁹ are identical or different and denote hydrogen or (C₁-C₃)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by fluorine or hydroxyl,

[0142] and their salts and isomeric forms,

[0143] in the control of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.

[0144] The following compounds:

[0145] are very particularly preferably used for the prophylaxis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular for the treatment of cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.

[0146] The abovementioned known compounds can be prepared by customary methods [cf. the abovementioned references].

[0147] Cannabinoid receptor CB-1 agonists in the sense of the invention are compounds which in the CB-1 luciferase reporter gene test described below have an IC₅₀ value of less than 10⁻⁵ M.

[0148] CB1 Luciferase Reporter Gene Test

[0149] 1. Cloning of the Rats Cannabinoid Receptor CB1

[0150] Total RNA from rat brain (the tissue was taken from freshly killed animals and shock-frozen in liquid nitrogen) was isolated by means of acidic guanidinium thiocyanate/phenol/chloroform extraction (J. Biol. Chem. 1979, 18, 5294) and converted into cDNA by means of reverse transcriptase and random primers (in each case from Invitrogen). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR, conditions: 4 min at 94° C., 1×; 1 min at 94° C.; 2 min at 53° C.; 1 min at 72° C., 50 cycles; 1 min at 94° C., 2 min at 53° C., 4 min at 72° C., 1×) was carried out in a Perkin Elmer thermocycler using the enzyme Taq polymerase (Perkin Elmer); the oligonucleotide primers employed (bases 99 to 122: 5′→3′, “down”; 1556-1575: 3′→5′, “up”) were derived from the published sequence of the rat cannabinoid receptor (Nature 1990, 346, 561) and were synthesized on a DNA synthesizer, model 1380 from Applied Biosystems. One part of the PCR reaction was separated in a 1% strength agarose gel in 1×TBE buffer and then stained with ethidium bromide, only one band having the expected length being visible (approximately 1.5 kb). This PCR product was subcloned in the TA cloning vector (Invitrogen) and the nucleotide sequence of the insert was determined with T7 DNA polymerase (Sequenase, USA/Amersham) by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination reaction. The insert has a length of 1477 base pairs and contains an open reading frame of 1419 base pairs which corresponds to a protein of 473 amino acids. The number of base pairs, the position of the open reading frame and the number of amino acids agree with the published sequence. Computer analyses were carried out with the aid of the GCG software suite (Genetic Computer Group). The cDNA insert was subcloned in the expression vector pRc/CMV (Invitrogen) after partial digestion with HindIII and NotI (Biolabs). This construct (plasmid CMV-RH) was employed for transfection experiments.

[0151] 2. Stable Transfection of the CHOluc9 Reporter Cells

[0152] CHOluc9 cells were cultured in 50% Dulbecco's modified Eagle Medium/50% F-12 (DMEM/F12) which contained 10% foetal calf serum (FCS). Transfections were prepared in 6-well plates. 7.5 μg of Qiagen-purified CMV-RH plasmid DNA were added per 10⁵ cells with the DOTAP transfections system, corresponding to the experimental protocol of the manufacturer (Boehringer Mannheim). Transfected cells were selected with 1 mg/ml G418 and individual clones were obtained by limiting dilution on 96-well plates. Cell lines which express the cannabinoid receptor were identified in the presence of forskolin for the inhibition of reporter gene expression after incubation with the cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN-55,2121-2. Several stably transfected and subcloned cell lines were further characterized by means of RT-PCR, as described under 1.

[0153] 3. Test Optimization and Pharmacological Characterization of the CHOCB1 Reporter Cell Line

[0154] With the aim of high sensitivity and reproducibility, low variance and good suitability for carrying out on the robotic system, the luciferase test was optimized by variation of several test parameters, such as, for example, cell density, duration of the growth phase and the test incubation, forskolin concentration, medium composition. The following test protocol was used for pharmacological characterization of the cells and for robot-assisted substance screening: the stock cultures were cultured in 50% Dulbecco's modified Eagle Medium/50% F-12 (DMEM/F12) with 10% FCS at 37° C. under 10% CO₂ and in each case split 1:10 after 2 to 3 days. Test cultures were inoculated into 96-well plates at 5000 cells per well and cultured at 37° C. for 70 hours. The cultures were then carefully washed with phosphate-buffered saline and reconstituted using serum-free Ultra-CHO medium (Bio-Whittaker). The substances dissolved in DMSO were diluted 1× in medium and pipetted into the test cultures (maximum DMSO final concentration in the test mixture: 0.5%). 20 minutes later, forskolin was added and the cultures were then incubated at 37° C. in an incubator for 3 hours. The supernatants were then removed and the cells were lysed by addition of 25 μl of lysis reagent (25 mM triphosphate, pH 7.8 with 2 mM DTT, 10% glycerol, 3% TritonX100).

[0155] Directly after this, luciferase substrate solution (2.5 mM ATP, 0.5 mM luciferin, 0.1 mM coenzyme A, 10 mM tricine, 1.35 mM MgSO₄, 15 mM DTT, pH 7.8) was added, the mixture was briefly shaken, and the luciferase activity was measured using a Hamamatzu camera system.

[0156] For inactivation of G_(i) proteins, the test cultures were treated with 5 ng/ml (final conc.) of pertussis toxin for 16 hours before the test.

[0157] The IC₅₀ values were calculated using the Graph Pad Prism program (Hill equation, specific: one-site competition). CB1 luciferase reporter gene test Example IC₅₀ [nM] 1 13.32 5 0.48 15 0.23 18 1.55

[0158] Binding Studies on Rat Cortex Membranes

[0159] Membrane protein is prepared from different tissues or from cells by standard methods. Buffer, labelled ligands, DMSO or test substance are pipetted together, then 100 μg of protein are added, and the mixture is well mixed and incubated in a water bath at 30° C. for 60 min. After expiry of the incubation time, the reaction is stopped by addition of ice-cold incubation buffer to each tube. After filtering off, washing is carried out with ¾ ml of incubation buffer. The filters are transferred to minivials and the radioactivity is determined in a liquid scintillation counter. Binding to rat cortex membranes Example K_(i) [nM] 1 1.69 5 1.00 15 n.t. 18 0.06

[0160] Inhibition of Glutamate Release

[0161] After decapitation of a rat, the skull is opened, and the brain is lifted out and cut through along the median fissure. The hippocampus is exposed, separated from the remaining tissue, cut into 350 μm thick sections and incubated at 37° C. in straining vessels for 60 min. Followed by basal value and stimulation 1 with 75 mM KCl (S 1), the sections are incubated with test substance and then the stimulation with KCl and test substance (S2) is repeated. The glutamate concentration of the samples to be investigated is then measured by means of an enzymatic reaction (GLDH) and fluorometric measurement of NADH. By means of a calibration curve, the glutamate content of the sample is determined, and with knowledge of the protein content the glutamate content/mg of protein can be calculated. The ratio S2/S1 is compared; glutamate release inhibitors reduce this ratio in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of glutamate release Example No. % Inhibition @ 1 μM 1 no effect 5 20 15 18 50

[0162] Hypothermia

[0163] 1. Agonism Testing:

[0164] Five minutes after determination of the basal body temperature via an oesophageal temperature probe, the test substance is administered (i.v.). A control group receives only the solvent for the test substances, likewise i.v. The body temperature is measured 7.5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after i.v. administration. The group size per dose is 5-7 animals (rats). Hypothermia ED_(−1°C.) ^(a)) Example No. [mg/kg i.v.] 1 0.8 5 0.01 15 0.03 18 0.2

[0165] 2. Antagonism Testing:

[0166] The specific CB1 antagonist SR 141716A or, to the control group, only the solvent (Solutol/0.9% NaCl) is administered intraperitoneally 60 minutes before administration of test substance. The basal body temperature is measured five minutes before administration of SR 141716A via oesophageal temperature probe. The further procedure corresponds to the method “agonism testing”. The group size per dose is 5-7 animals (rats).

[0167] Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischaemia in the Rat (MCA-O)

[0168] Under isoflurane anaesthesia, the median cerebral artery is exposed on one side and the latter and its side branches are irreversibly sealed by means of electrocoagulation. As a result of the intervention a cerebral infarct is formed. During the operation, the body temperature of the animal is kept at 37° C. After wound closure and wearing off of the anaesthesia, the animals are again released into their cage. The administration of substances is carried out according to different time schemes and via different administration routes (i.v., i.p.) after occlusion. The infarct size is determined after 7 days. To do this, the brain is removed, worked up histologically and the infarct volume is determined with the aid of a computer-assisted analysis system. % reduction in the Example No. infarct volume Dose^(a)) 1 31 1.0 mg/kg  5 48 0.01 mg/kg 18 20 0.03 mg/kg

[0169] Subdural Haematoma in the Rat (SDH)

[0170] Under anaesthesia, the animals' own blood is injected subdurally on one side. An infarct is formed under the haematoma. Substance administration is carried out according to different time schemes and via different administration routes (i.v., i.p.). The infarct size is determined as described in the model of permanent focal ischaemia in the rat (MCA-O). % reduction in the Example No. infarct volume Dose^(a)) 1 50% 0.3 mg/kg  5 58% 0.001 mg/kg

[0171] The present invention also includes pharmaceutical preparations which besides inert, non-toxic, pharmaceutically suitable auxiliaries and excipients contain one or more compounds of the general formulae (I)-(Ie) or which consist of one or more active compounds of the formulae (I)-(Ie), and processes for the production of these preparations.

[0172] The active compounds of the formulae (I)-(Ie) should be present in these preparations in a concentration of 0.1 to 99.5% by weight, preferably of 0.5 to 95% by weight of the total mixture.

[0173] Besides the active compounds of the formulae (I)-(Ie), the pharmaceutical preparations can also contain other pharmaceutical active compounds.

[0174] The abovementioned pharmaceutical preparations can be prepared in a customary manner by known methods, for example using the auxiliary(ies) or excipient(s).

[0175] In general, it has proved advantageous to administer the active compound(s) of the formulae (I)-(Ie) in total amounts of approximately 0.01 to approximately 100 mg/kg, preferably in total amounts of approximately 1 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg, of body weight every 24 hours, if appropriate in the form of several individual doses, to achieve the desired result.

[0176] However, if appropriate it may be advantageous to deviate from the amounts mentioned, mainly depending on the nature and on the body weight of the subject treated, on the individual behaviour towards the medicament, the nature and severity of the disorder, the type of preparation and administration, and the time at or interval after which administration takes place. 

1. Use of known agonists of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 for the prophylaxis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular of cerebral apoplexy and craniocerebral trauma.
 2. Use according to claim 1 , in which the known agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 is employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of cerebral apoplexy.
 3. Use according to claim 1 , in which the known agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 is employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of craniocerebral trauma.
 4. Use according to any of claims 1 to 3 , in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 has the general formula I:

in which A and D are identical or different and, depending on the position of a single or double bond, represent a C atom or the CH group, E depending on the position of a single or double bond, represents the CH or CH₂ group or a sulphur atom, G, L and M are identical or different and, depending on the position of a single or double bond, represent a radical of the formula —CR⁵, —CR⁶R⁷ or N—R⁸, in which R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, hydroxyl, formyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)-alkinyl, or denote (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, or R⁶ and R⁷ together represent a radical of the formula ═O, a represents a number 0 or 1, R¹ represents hydrogen or hydroxyl, or represents (C₁-C₁₁)-alkyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxycarbonyl or (C₁-C₄)-acyloxy, each of which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₁₀)-alkoxy or by a group of the formula —NR⁹R¹⁰, in which R⁹ and R₁₀ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, phenyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, or R⁹ and R¹⁰, together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycle which can optionally additionally contain a further heteroatom of the series S and O or a radical of the formula —NR¹¹, in which R¹¹ denotes hydrogen, phenyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-acyl, R² represents (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl or (C₁-C₁₀)-alkoxy, each of which is optionally substituted by phenyl, halogen, hydroxyl, azido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or by a group of the formula —NR¹²R¹³, in which R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and have the meaning of R⁹ and R¹⁰ indicated above, R³ and R⁴ are identical or different and represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl, or R³ and R⁴ together represent a radical of the formula H₂C═, T represents (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₂-C₆)-alkenyl, and V represents hydroxyl, or T and V together with a ring closure represent an oxygen atom or a radical of the formula —NR¹⁴, in which R¹⁴ denotes hydrogen or methyl with the exception of compounds of the following configuration

and their salts and isomeric forms.
 5. Use according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 has the general formula (Ia):

in which R^(1′) and R^(2′) are identical or different and have the meaning of R¹ and R² indicated in claim 4 , R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are identical or different and represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by hydroxyl, or R¹⁵ and R¹⁶, together with inclusion of the C—C bond, form a phenyl ring or a 3-to 7-membered carbocyclic ring, where the ring systems are optionally substituted by (C₁-C₆)-alkoxycarbonyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which for its part can be substituted by hydroxyl, R¹⁷ represents hydrogen, or R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ together form a 6-membered saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated heterocycle which can contain a heteroatom of the series S and O or a radical of the formula —NR¹⁸, in which R¹⁸ denotes hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, and where the ring systems are optionally substituted up to 3 times identically or differently, also geminally, by (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which for its parts can be substituted by hydroxyl, and their salts and isomeric forms.
 6. Use according to any of claims 1 to 3 , in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 is an aminoalkylindole of the general formula (Ib) or (Ic):

in which R¹⁹ and R^(19′) are identical or different and represent (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or a 5- to 7-membered, saturated or unsaturated heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms of the series S, N and/or O, each of which is optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different substituents which are selected from the group which consists of: nitro, halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, or by (C₁-C₅)-acyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkylthio, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxycarbonyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which for its part can be substituted by hydroxyl, R²⁰ represents hydrogen or methyl, R²¹ and R²² are identical or different and represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, or R²¹ and R²², together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5- to 7-membered, saturated or partially saturated heterocycle which can optionally contain a further oxygen or sulphur atom or a radical of the formula —NR²⁸, in which R²⁸ has the meaning of R⁸ indicated above and is identical to or different from this, R²³ represents hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkoxy, R²⁴ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, R²⁵ represents hydrogen, phenyl, cycloalkyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by a group of the formula —NR²⁹R³⁰, in which R²⁹ and R³⁰ are identical or different and have the meaning of R⁹ and R¹⁰ indicated above, R²⁶ and R²⁷ represent hydrogen, or together with inclusion of the double bond form a phenyl ring and their salts and isomeric forms.
 7. Use according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 has the general formula (Id):

in which R³¹ has the meaning of R¹⁹ indicated above and is identical to or different from this, R³² represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₃)-alkyl or (C₁-C₃)-alkoxy, R³³ and R³⁴ have the meaning of R²¹ and R²² indicated above and are identical to or different from this and their salts and isomeric forms.
 8. Use according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 is an eicosanoid of the general formula (Ie):

in which Y and Y′ represent hydrogen, or Y and Y′ together represent a radical of the formula ═O or ═S, R³⁵ represents (C₁₆-C₃₀)-alkenyl having at least three double bonds, R³⁶ represents trifluoromethyl or a group of the formula —OR³⁷ or —NR³⁸R³⁹, in which R³⁷ denotes hydrogen or (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl which is optionally substituted by one or more, identical or different substituents which are selected from the group which consists of: hydroxyl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, R³⁸ and R³⁹ have the meaning of R³⁷ indicated above and are identical to or different from this, or R³⁸ and R³⁹, together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycle which can optionally contain a further heteroatom of the series S and O or a group of the formula —NR⁴⁰, in which R⁴⁰ has the meaning of R⁸ indicated above and is identical to or different from this, and their salts and isomeric forms.
 9. Use according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 is selected from compounds of the following formulae:


10. Use according to claim 9 , in which the agonist of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 is selected from compounds of the following formulae: 